House Resolution 103

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2018-2019 PEARL HIGH SCHOOL LADY PIRATES BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE 2019 MHSAA CLASS 6A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Pearl High School Lady Pirates Basketball Team reigns supreme after finishing the 2018-2019 season with an impressive record of 31 wins and only one loss, and capturing the 2019 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A State Basketball Championship; and

WHEREAS, throughout the state tournament games, the Lady Pirates knew that their state championship dreams were within reach, and they desperately wanted to win the game for their Head Coach Lacey Kennedy who had been deployed with the United States Army Reserves to Qatar after the second game of the season; and

WHEREAS, keeping Coach Lacey Kennedy's words of encouragement and direction in the back of their minds throughout their season, they played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, and in each game, their mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they first hustled onto the court until the final buzzer buzzed, as they outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered each of their opponents; and

WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the Lady Pirates relied on their swift feet, accurate shooting and strategic defensive moves to stop the opposing offense and outmaneuver their defense, which ultimately allowed them to defeat Terry High School 59-48 and bring the coveted "Gold Ball" trophy back to Pearl High School; and

WHEREAS, the Pirates kept their focus and played one of their best games of the season during the championship matchup, with Jayla Alexander earning the MVP honor with 21 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and three steals, Makayla Minett ending the title game with 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Olivia Knight finishing with 10 points and two steals; and

WHEREAS, while Head Coach Lacey Kennedy was deployed in Qatar, her husband and assistant coach, Jason Kennedy, took on the role of interim head coach and superbly coached and inspired the Lady Pirates while also broadening their knowledge of the game and refining their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, after the championship game was finally won, the team chanted "For LK" as they gathered around the Gold Ball Trophy, holding it high in the air, a powerful symbol of a promise made and kept with their beloved deployed coach, and when Coach Jason Kennedy and the Lady Pirates finally connected with her to share the exciting news, the connection was weak, but her feelings of pride and pure elation were immensely strong and apparent in the tears streaming down her face; and

WHEREAS, the members of this team will carry the unforgettable memories they made along their way to championship status, whether it be the long hours in the weight room or the grueling practices, as well as the lessons of hard work, dedication and perseverance learned during this amazing season, throughout their lives as they are constantly flooded with the feeling of greatness that accompanies being a champion; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially that displayed by the Pearl High School Lady Pirates Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of

student-athletes and Head Coaches Lacey and Jason Kennedy, who have brought honor to their school, their community and to their state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the 2018-2019 Pearl High School Lady Pirates Basketball Team upon winning the 2019 MHSAA Class 6A State Basketball Championship, and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Lacey Kennedy, Head Coach Jason Kennedy and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.